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ScottishPower

One of the most established names in the energy market, ScottishPower was formed in 1990 during the privatisation of the Scottish energy industry. The company bought MANWEB in 1995, and merged it into the Scottish Power brand. ScottishPower was later bought itself by Spanish company Iberdrola in 2006, following a failed takeover bid by E.ON the previous year. One of the largest suppliers in the United Kingdom, ScottishPower currently serves over 5.2 million customers across the country. Over 90% of ScottishPower’s electricity is generated from natural gas and coal burning power stations, with no reliance on nuclear power. The company’s energy mix is as follows:

Natural Gas 52.2%

Coal 39.1%

Renewable 8.4%

Other 0.3%

Nuclear 0.0%

ScottishPower has demonstrated a laudable commitment to renewable energy technology, and operates two wind farms and two hydro-electric schemes. The company’s Whitelee Wind Farm in Scotland is the second largest wind farm in Europe, boasting a grand total of 140 turbines. However, some of ScottishPower’s traditional coal-fuelled power stations are much less environmentally friendly, with the Cockenzie and Longannet plants receiving particular criticism from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) over the past decade.

Tariffs for consumers

ScottishPower offers a wide range of tariffs for home energy supply, which are divided into three different categories: Guaranteed, Discounted and Green.

The Platinum Fixed plan is available to dual-fuel customers only, with a contract running for up to 18 months. The package includes HomeComfort Premium Care, which includes cover for boilers and radiators, as well as a free annual maintenance check. You’ll pay bills by Direct Debit, but if you decide to switch before the end of the fixed term, you’ll have to pay a termination fee.

ScottishPower’s Fixed Price Energy tariff fixes rates for over two years, and offers discounts for managing your account online or paying by Direct Debit. However, you can receive paper statements and pay by cash or cheque if you prefer. You’ll have to pay a cancellation fee if you change supplier before the end of the contract, and you won’t be able to continue the plan if you move home either.

Currently, ScottishPower also offers a further two Guaranteed plans, which are available for a limited period only. The first is Fixed Price Saver, a deal available to dual-fuel customers. Rates are fixed for around 18 months, with the option to manage your account online. Opting for paperless billing will earn you a discount, while further savings are available if you choose to pay by Direct Debit. However, you will have to pay a cancellation fee if you decide to switch.

Online Fixed Price Energy is currently ScottishPower’s cheapest fixed plan, and locks down rates for up to 18 months. It’s only available online, and although you don’t have to go for paperless billing, you’ll receive a discount if you do. You’ll make further savings if you choose dual-fuel supply, and also if you decide to pay by Direct Debit. As with all of ScottishPower’s fixed deals, you’ll have to pay a cancellation fee if you decide to change supplier, although this doesn’t apply if you move house.

ScottishPower currently offers two discounted deals, the first of which is called Online Energy Saver. This is only available for a limited period, and is open to dual-fuel and electricity only customers. The package is guaranteed to remain lower than ScottishPower’s standard Direct Debit, variable Direct Debit and online Debit Card prices for a fixed period, with further reductions available if you pay within 24 days of receiving your bill, or sign up to Direct Debit. However, you will have to pay a cancellation fee if you decide to change supplier.

Help Beat Cancer is ScottishPower’s second discounted deal, and is offered in conjunction with Cancer Research UK. Your rates are guaranteed to remain lower than standard variable prices for over 30 months, and ScottishPower will also make donations to Cancer Research UK for every year that you remain on the tariff. There are also no cancellation charges, so you can switch to another supplier at any time without penalty.

Simply Green is ScottishPower’s most environmentally friendly package, with your energy consumption matched with resupply to the National Grid from 100% renewable sources. ScottishPower will make donations to the Green Energy Trust for every year that you remain on the deal, and you’ll also receive a copy of the company’s Green magazine every six months. You can choose to manage your account online and receive paperless bills, which is rewarded with an annual discount.

ScottishPower also offer a Standard variable tariff, for which you might have to pay a daily standing charge, depending on the type of meter you have. You’ll receive discounts for dual-fuel supply and payment by Direct Debit, while there are no cancellation fees if you want to change to another supplier.